MiSTer FPGA Forum

Sneak peek of the MT32-pi top plate!

Nat wrote: ↑Tue Jan 12, 2021 12:03 pm Sneak peek of the MT32-pi top plate!


MiSTerFPGA.co.uk-MT32-pi.jpg

Looking good Nat!

That looks very nice.

Nat wrote: ↑Tue Jan 12, 2021 12:03 pm Sneak peek of the MT32-pi top plate!

You're onto it Nat!

That said, I've a (rather OT) question that's been bugging me, and since I haven't ordered anything from the UK (into the EU) after the 1st, maybe you can clarify it: what happens with VAT? I mean is it still levied upon purchase as before, or have we to go through customs? If it's the latter then things are looking bad, as most carriers charge exorbitant amounts just to process.

[edit] for example, DHL asks for 45€ flat on declared values under 150!! (then rates go proportionally up), whether an item needs clearance or not
I guess this last minute trade deal hasn't been detailed enough to us small-time consumers/direct buyers...

Here in sweden it changed jan1 so all UK packets go trough customs, and many uk shops have banners/etc saying no no more VAT will be collected.
So i assume it´s the same for all EU!

lamarax wrote: ↑Tue Jan 12, 2021 6:03 pm

Nat wrote: ↑Tue Jan 12, 2021 12:03 pm Sneak peek of the MT32-pi top plate!

You're onto it Nat!

That said, I've a (rather OT) question that's been bugging me, and since I haven't ordered anything from the UK (into the EU) after the 1st, maybe you can clarify it: what happens with VAT? I mean is it still levied upon purchase as before, or have we to go through customs? If it's the latter then things are looking bad, as most carriers charge exorbitant amounts just to process.

[edit] for example, DHL asks for 45€ flat on declared values under 150!! (then rates go proportionally up), whether an item needs clearance or not
I guess this last minute trade deal hasn't been detailed enough to us small-time consumers/direct buyers...

I would avoid any UK shops unless you are in the UK, and if you are in UK you should avoid any EU shops.

From a danish viewpoint i am looking into 25% vat on top of whatever i buy (including the british vat). And if i buy something that isn't produced in the UK for example someone re-selling a piece that was made in china i will have to pay an import tax, depending on the item i am importing that can be anything from 0% to xx%

And finally besides the usual postage fee there is a fee on handling import tax, in my case that can be anything from 20-45 Euro

TLDR; Shopping online from the UK is pretty much like shopping from the USA or any other country outside the EU, expensive.

Bummer

I've been studying a little bit on the matter, and it seems that until 'all systems are stable' even on a small business level, one might get charged with UK VAT on top. That would make purchasing from the UK in the next days, the most expensive proposition ever (I mean having a 50% surcharge, disregarding shipping, + the exorbitant 'administrative' fee for clearing customs that most carriers demand).

I guess this means kiss goodbye to the small UK outlets for us retail buyers in EU countries. Pity, as a good number of retrogaming and arcade hardware suppliers are based there... Farewell Arcadeworlduk, it was a privilege dealing with you in the past 10-15 years

lamarax wrote: ↑Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:13 pm Bummer

I've been studying a little bit on the matter, and it seems that until 'all systems are stable' even on a small business level, one might get charged with UK VAT on top. That would make purchasing from the UK in the next days, the most expensive proposition ever (I mean having a 50% surcharge, disregarding shipping, + the exorbitant 'administrative' fee for clearing customs that most carriers demand).

I guess this means kiss goodbye to the small UK outlets for us retail buyers in EU countries. Pity, as a good number of retrogaming and arcade hardware suppliers are based there... Farewell Arcadeworlduk, it was a privilege dealing with you in the past 10-15 years

Yep, it will become prohibitive expensive ordering from UK websites, on the other side there is a chance that webshops in Germany will pick up the lost business.

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to Nat - I ordered pretty much everything for my MiSTer from MiSTerFPGA.co.uk and have been really pleased with the quality of products i've received. The acrylic case is great too. Also, support and replies to emails have been quick and helpful - even when i've sent him a few lengthy questions about SDRAM, he always takes the time to respond.

Thanks Nat!

Hi!

I just checked the shop and I cannot seem to find any "ready to use" MP32-Pi hats, just the unpopulated PCB.

Are these available yet?

NightShadowPT wrote: ↑Tue Jan 26, 2021 8:27 am Hi!

I just checked the shop and I cannot seem to find any "ready to use" MP32-Pi hats, just the unpopulated PCB.

Are these available yet?

I think the unpopulated PCBs were literally just added in the last day, so give Nat a chance!

I'll be waiting for the complete hat too as I don't trust my soldering skills, I managed to sheer off one stand-off just putting the Pi into a case.

I see there's also an optional shim now, although it only has the right-hand port: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4736679

Just want to add to the chorus of recommendations - I picked up basically the entire kit bar the DE-10 and it all came perfectly packaged with absolutely zero chance of anything getting broken in transit. Customer service is spot on and Nat even coped admirably with me being a complete muppet not knowing what I was doing initially (thankfully I now have a bit more of a handle on all of this). Thanks to Nat and the geniuses who create this stuff I now have an absolutely incredible machine sat on my desk that can play all the greatest games ever made, and I can muck around with Deluxe Paint, STOS, AMOS and Sequencer One. It's really hard to explain just how good this stuff is, but then again you guys are using it every day so you know already. I'm so glad I found out about this! I will of course spread the word beyond the community - sadly I doubt I have the capability to offer much help with cores and software but I can certainly spread the word.

I should have finished the first batch of complete mt32-Pi hats this week, I will post here as soon as they are live on the webiste.

In the meantime I had a number of requests to make the PCB's available so added them for those who wanted to make their own mt32-Pi for MiSTer Pi hat PCB

Nat wrote: ↑Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:10 pm I should have finished the first batch of complete mt32-Pi hats this week, I will post here as soon as they are live on the webiste.

In the meantime I had a number of requests to make the PCB's available so added them for those who wanted to make their own mt32-Pi for MiSTer Pi hat PCB

Great News Nat!

I ordered the new clear (uncolored) acrylic case and it is everything I had been waiting for in a MiSTer case since I got it. It has labels for all the ports and buttons/switches, which looks cool, it has a fan grill of exactly the right size, helping to keep the dust out and a large official MiSTer logo. Now I can see the cool looking internals of MiSTer and all the pretty lights. It is also really easy to put together, just mind the fingerprints or wear non-powdered gloves.

Question to Nat, why don't you produce MiSTer boards in the beautiful blue-green color of the Nano? The boards I have are that color and it looks fantastic, especially in combination with the brass stand-offs (and also with beige/brown fans).

The included 3D printed buttons didn't fit though, because the seller of my analog I/O board used taller switches for some reason.

However, I bought an 8 mm clear acrylic rod and 8 mm transparent silicone rings (at an online piercing shop, haha, they have all sizes of these rings, super handy). Sadly the rod turned out to be 8.3 mm in diameter (which is influenced by temperature as well). So I'll have to sand it down a little and then polish it. But after that I expect it will look amazing when made into button push rods (tm) for this acrylic case.

I got the analog input board as well (ADC) and it is not vertically centered in the opening of the acrylic case, just a slight cosmetic thing. All in all I am super happy with the new case and highly recommend it, IMO the best acrylic case you can get and available in different colors as well.

Nat wrote: ↑Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:10 pm I should have finished the first batch of complete mt32-Pi hats this week, I will post here as soon as they are live on the webiste.

In the meantime I had a number of requests to make the PCB's available so added them for those who wanted to make their own mt32-Pi for MiSTer Pi hat PCB

Awesome, Nat! I was just about to email you and ask, but checked here first just in case. I'll definitely be picking one of these babies up ASAP!

Follow-up question for you. It appears that, by default, MT32-pi has users relying on the (poor-quality) PWM 1/8" jack built into the Pi for output (aliasing/distortion at low volumes, etc.). The MT32-pi does have optional support for I2S DACs with much improved output quality. Will your MT32-pi modules come with improved output built in, or perhaps allow for an alternative method for users to add an I2S DAC w/out too much hassle?

Edit: I answered my own question about hifi output by digging further into the MT32-Pi github. MT32-Pi pipes I2S data through the cable connected to the MiSTer IO port, mixing the audio with MiSTers internal audio output. Genius! That means my all-digital toslink DAC/AMP set is all ready to go with MT32-pi. Furthermore, the MiSTer can power the MT32-Pi over this same cable, meaning I can remove another power brick from my setup. This is so exciting!

Cheers!

Another happy customer here, I ordered a few items in the past from nat and they all worked great, were well packaged and arrived promptly.

Many thanks.

Very happy customer of Nat's !
Already using this IO board, USB hub, copper cooler with noctua fan & 128Mb ram.

Currently awaiting mt32-pi pcb, rtc module, power cable with switch and tape interface + grey plexi enclosure.
A bit unfortunate the brexit will make this order 50% more expensive due to import costs & VAT.
ah well... such is life.

Hi @Nat,

Any rough ETA on ready-to-go MT-32Pi hats/cables for purchase? A month isn't too soon to ask since the question was last raised, I hope .

JonnyTenebrous wrote: ↑Sat Feb 20, 2021 11:43 am Any rough ETA on ready-to-go MT-32Pi hats/cables for purchase? A month isn't too soon to ask since the question was last raised, I hope .

Happy to provide an update, basically my shipment of male to male USB 3.0 cables are inside a shipping container slowly travelling via sea to me in the UK. As I wanted to keep shipping costs low and being a large order. Based upon the information I have on hand expected ETA for the cables is within the next 7 to 10 days.

The good news is the actual mt-32pi hats are finished, ready for sale and in hand

In the meantime, I will add the built mt-32pi hat to my store, so those who already have a suitable USB cable or are happy to source one themselves can purchase just the hat, I will get this live and added to the website by the end of tomorrow (22/02/21).

Nat wrote: ↑Sun Feb 21, 2021 2:50 pmHappy to provide an update, basically my shipment of male to male USB 3.0 cables are inside a shipping container slowly travelling via sea to me in the UK. As I wanted to keep shipping costs low and being a large order. Based upon the information I have on hand expected ETA for the cables is within the next 7 to 10 days.

i'll hang fire until you get the cables, Nat.. nice one.

In the meantime, I will add the built mt-32pi hat to my store, so those who already have a suitable USB cable or are happy to source one themselves can purchase just the hat, I will get this live and added to the website by the end of tomorrow (22/02/21).

Hey Nat, did you sell all of them in one go ?
I just tried to buy one, and it says it's only available on back order.
Also, what happens with SNAC ? Do you have to keep swapping the MT32 and the SNAC, every time you want to use one or the other ?

MiSTer_Kirk wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:21 pm Hey Nat, did you sell all of them in one go ?

Pretty much, I had 60 built and completed and they sold out in about 24 hours from being placed live onto the store.

MiSTer_Kirk wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:21 pm I just tried to buy one, and it says it's only available on back order.

If you have a quick read of my delivery page I give an explanation on what I mean when an item is set on 'backorder' status. I am however currently building another 40 mt32-pi hat's at the moment, so feel free to order. But my time is split as I also have to keep up with building other board types.

MiSTer_Kirk wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:21 pm Also, what happens with SNAC ? Do you have to keep swapping the MT32 and the SNAC, every time you want to use one or the other ?

Yes correct, you can only use one or the other at any time.

Thanks nat. I will put in a order a bit later.
One last thing, I ordered the SNAC adapter and 5 add-ons from you, back on 25th Jan. All working great apart from the Atari 2600 one. After a bit of googling, it seems I need the ADC-in board and a 3.5mm audio cable to use paddles ?

Nat wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:59 pm Pretty much, I had 60 built and completed and they sold out in about 24 hours from being placed live onto the store.

bloody hell. great work nat.

I ordered from Nat, and i'm very pleased!

I had just gotten my de10 nano from digikey, and failed to realise the importance of a proper heatsink... they didn't have to model i wanted anyway... so i didn't order from them, not even from Nat.

However, with my order, which was a 32mb sdram and a 4amps psu and a psu switch shunt, Nat had sent me a little surprise which i didn't even ask for nor ordered.... but which i needed sorely... There in the box which came in the mail, was a brand new heatsink of exactly the right model and size which i needed! Thankyou Nat!

It would have taken near forever to place another order somewhere else on the net, and have to wait for the mail to arrive again.

I am very pleased about that surprise!
Also, the ram and psu works perfectly!

Thankyou Nat!

MiSTer_Kirk wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 7:01 pm After a bit of googling, it seems I need the ADC-in board and a 3.5mm audio cable to use paddles ?

Yes that is correct, the Atari adapter also requires an ADC input and a 3.5mm AUX cable if you wish to use the Atari paddle controller. However the Atari joystick controller does not require any additional hardware to function.

Hi. I bought an MT-32pi hat recently from you. Works like a charm, however I was wondering if there was any recommendations for case/baseplate for a raspberry pi 3a+ that was compatible with your hat?

Filmcriticbeta wrote: ↑Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:02 am Hi. I bought an MT-32pi hat recently from you. Works like a charm, however I was wondering if there was any recommendations for case/baseplate for a raspberry pi 3a+ that was compatible with your hat?

See the first question under "Miscellaneous" in the FAQ
https://github.com/dwhinham/mt32-pi/wik ... rry-pi-3-a

Nat wrote: ↑Sun Feb 21, 2021 2:50 pm Happy to provide an update, basically my shipment of male to male USB 3.0 cables are inside a shipping container slowly travelling via sea to me in the UK. As I wanted to keep shipping costs low and being a large order. Based upon the information I have on hand expected ETA for the cables is within the next 7 to 10 days.

The good news is the actual mt-32pi hats are finished, ready for sale and in hand

In the meantime, I will add the built mt-32pi hat to my store, so those who already have a suitable USB cable or are happy to source one themselves can purchase just the hat, I will get this live and added to the website by the end of tomorrow (22/02/21).

Hi Nat. Do you have any update about availability of those cables? I would love to get MT32-pi from you, but I found out that it's not that easy to source short USB3 cables around here (which would be guaranteed to work fine)

Thanks